Etihad Aviation Group celebrates the graduation of 143 Emiratis from its training programmes

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Aviation Group has celebrated the graduation of 143 Emiratis from its various training programmes. The graduates included 72 Emirati trainees from Etihad’s Foundation Programme, who were trained at the Higher Colleges of Technology and Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute (ADVETI).

61 cadet pilots also received their Bachelor
Degree in the Aviation Science Programme, eight senior captains received their
Bachelor Degree in the Prior Learning Programme, and two staff members received
their Masters of Business Administration. All the graduates studied at Abu Dhabi
University.

With a strong focus on Emiratisation, Etihad
Aviation Group has launched a wide range of initiatives to shape the future of
the aviation industry in the UAE, and encourage Emiratis to play an active role
in it.

Ibrahim Nassir, Deputy Group Chief People
and Performance Officer, and Senior Vice President Human Resources Etihad
Airways, said: “We are committed to developing the capabilities and expertise
of Emirati aviation professionals, and we are delighted to welcome the
graduates to the Etihad family. They will be a valuable addition to our
increasingly expanding base of Emirati employees.

“Today, we celebrate the vision of the
Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. We are deeply inspired by
his wisdom and vision of developing human resources as the springboard for the
future. These enthusiastic young men and women are motivated by this vision,
and I’m confident that they will play a critical role in our company’s future.”

Etihad Aviation Group invests in the development of UAE nationals
through its highly successful portfolio of Emiratisation programmes. The
company also offers a host of training programmes such as the Cadet Pilot
Programme, Graduate Manager Programme, Technical Engineer Programme, Foundation
Programme, and Corporate Trainee Programme.

As part of Etihad’s Foundation Programme,
which has proved highly successful since its inception in 2015, the classroom
training was conducted in the Higher Colleges of Technology and Abu Dhabi
Vocational Education and Training Institute (ADVETI). The classroom training
spanned over 12 months and covered various topics including IT, mathematics,
office administration, English and soft skills.

Following the classroom training, the
graduates participated in ‘on-the-job’ training for three months across various
departments within Etihad, gaining first-hand experience and developing their
hands-on skills in the workplace.

After the successful completion of the
programme, Etihad provides an opportunity for each graduate to join any
department within the company, including finance, IT, Human Resources and
ground operations, among others.

Marwa Al Hosani, Foundation Programme
graduate, said: “I am really excited to start the next phase of my career after
completing the training course. I am looking forward to building on what I have
learned during the training. I would like to thank Etihad for this opportunity
and we will all do our best to add value to our company.”

Cadet Pilot Hamad Al Blooshi, who graduated
with honours, said: “I am very thankful for the National Pilot Development Programme
at Etihad for giving me this opportunity to study aviation science. I am
confident that the knowledge I gained during my study will enhance my skills as
an individual and as a pilot.

“I am passionate about aviation and admire
the skill of pilots. I am so proud that one day I’ll also be flying for the
national airline of the UAE.”